Method and machine for preparing coffee beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee beverage preparation machines require significant user expertise to adjust settings for optimal extraction, are not adaptive to changing conditions, and fail to consistently produce high-quality beverages due to factors like component wear and environmental changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and machine that automatically adjust operating parameters based on coffee bean type, granulometry, and user feedback, using algorithms to optimize pre-infusion and infusion steps, and monitor extraction parameters to maintain quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate machines are used for brewing coffee and heating milk, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coffee brewing function and milk heating function into a single integrated beverage preparation machine. The machine includes a brewing unit with shower head for coffee extraction and a separate heating unit with steam generator for milk frothing, both controlled through a unified interface. This merging allows users to prepare complete beverages like cappuccinos and lattes in one device while maintaining functional optimization of each subsystem.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for each brewing step, then the user has full control over the process, but the productivity and convenience decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The machine implements dynamic operation modes that adapt to different beverage types and user preferences. It offers automatic modes where the system independently controls brewing parameters, milk heating temperature, and dispensing sequences for quick preparation. Simultaneously, it provides manual override capabilities allowing users to adjust water volume, coffee dose, and milk foam quantity. The system dynamically switches between these modes based on user input, optimizing both convenience and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating water and milk before the actual brewing process, pre-grinding coffee beans before extraction, and pre-foaming milk before dispensing. These preliminary preparations occur automatically when the beverage type is selected, reducing the overall preparation time and eliminating the need for users to manually perform each preparatory step while maintaining full beverage customization options.
3Device complexity
If a single water reservoir is used for both brewing and cleaning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and hygiene standards may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The machine employs segmented water management with separate water reservoirs for brewing and cleaning operations. The brewing reservoir stores fresh water for coffee extraction, while a dedicated cleaning reservoir holds water for rinsing and steam condensation collection. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between brewing water and cleaning water, ensuring hygiene standards are maintained while managing device complexity through integrated water level sensors and automated refilling systems for each reservoir.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures consistent production of high-quality coffee beverages by adapting to coffee bean characteristics and compensating for deviations, minimizing user intervention and component wear.
Implementation Method 1
a) forcing hot water through the tamped coffee puck in a shower fashion using a shower head
Implementation Method 2
b) steam wands for introducing air into the milk and heating the milk to a user selected temperature
Implementation Method 3
heating the milk to a user selected temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method for a machine (10) for preparing a coffee beverage, in which a dose of coffee powder is supplied to an infusion chamber (14), and a pre-infusion step and subsequently an infusion step of said powder dose is performed in order to dispense the beverage. The method provides to perform at least a first optimization of the operating parameters of said machine (10) comprising receiving an indication regarding an origin and a roasting level of said beans and executing an algorithm to define at least a weight of a quantity of coffee (Q coffee) to be used for said dose of powder, and a quantity of water (Q_water) to be used in said pre-infusion step. Embodiments disclosed herein further relate to a machine for preparing beverages which implements such a method.